We have a golf course for every 7,000 people on the island. Useless factoid, but if you're a golfer there's plenty of places for you to play. Many of the courses are ranked among the top in the United States. Plus, you get to play in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Many of the resorts have golf packages, if you're looking for a good deal.

Ka'anapali

North Course

This 18 hole (par 71, 6,994 yard) championship course was designed in the 1960's by Robert Trent Jones. The course layout takes advantage of the trade winds. When the winds blow from the South some holes get much tougher. The multi-level greens reward a good approach shot. The fairways are lined with luxury condos. Great views across the channel to Molokai. $120. Hoopillani Highway, Ka'anapali (808) 661-3691 Ka'anapaliNorth Course

South Course

Once an executive course, later extended by Arthur Jack Snyder to championship class (18 holes par 71, 6555 yards). The Course weaves its way among luxury homes and townhouses with views of the Pacific from every hole; can be windy in the afternoon. $120. Hoopillani Highway, Ka'anapali (808) 661-3691 Ka'anapali South Course

Kapalua

Bay Course

This course is built on a black lava promontory pushed out into the Pacific (par 72, 6761 yards) Tropical terrain and tropical trees with 68 bunkers and eight water hazards with the 5th hole shooting over a Pacific inlet. $140 300 Kapalua Drive, Kapalua (808) 669-8044 Kapalua Bay Course

A Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with tight fairways, big greens and lots of sand (par 72, 6,914 yards). Golf Digest calls it one of the top 10 courses in Hawaii. It's called "The Ultimate" by locals. $140 5415 Makena Road (808) 879-3344  Makena North Course

Wailea

Emerald Course

The most difficult of the three courses resembles a tropical garden. Holes 10 and 17 share a double green. Rated as a "Top Ten New Course" by Golf Magazine. Strong afternoon winds are the rule.(18 holes, par 72, 5,700 yards) 100 Wailea Golf Club Drive (808) 875-7450 Wailea Emerald Course

Blue Course

Pretty to look at but less challenging than the other two courses, this is an Arthur Jack Snyder layout with lush fairways and greens. (18 holes, par 72, 6,700 yards) 100 Wailea Golf Club Drive (808) 875-7450 Wailea Blue Course

Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright designed the second of two course in 1991 (par 71, 6.537 yard) set into the side of the West Maui mountains. Sloping terrain and brisk trade winds make each hole a challenge. $75. 2500 Honopiilani Highway, Waikapu (808) 242-4653

Sprecklesville

The Maui Country Club

The oldest course on the island (par 72, 6,549 yard, when played twice) was built in 1927, designed by Alex Bell of Scotland with no fairway bunkers, doglegs or hills. $45 48 Nonohe Place, Spreckelsville (808) 877-0616

Pukalani

Pukalani Country Club

Designed in the late 1970's by Robert Baldock and his son, this par 72, 6,962 yard course gives you a choice of two greens on the 3rd hole, both tough. $50 360 Pukalani Avenue (808) 572-1314 Pukalani Country Club

Wailuku

Waiehu Municipal

Popular with Maui residents, this par 72, 6,330 yard course has one lake and 43 bunkers to make approaches challenging. Right on the edge of the ocean with stiff breezes. $30 P. O. Box 507, Wailuku (808)244-5934

Dunes At Maui Lani

Brand new course designed by Robin Nelson to resemble courses in the British Isles. Large sand dunes and bunkers amidst giant kiawe trees are relieved by views of the West Maui mountains, Iao Valley and the Pacific Ocean. Dunes At Maui Lani

Lana'i

The Challenge at Manele

Jack Nicklaus designed this course set on dramatic cliffs where you get to play your shots right over the Pacific Ocean, so every hole has an ocean view. Surrounded by acres of lava rock and kiawe trees, you'll find the wind is a big part of your game. $175 P.O. Box L, Lanai (808) 565-2222

The Experience at Koele

A Ted Robinson and Greg Norman design, the begins on a high plateau with huge views of Maui and Molokai across the Pacific. Seven lakes, flowing streams, waterfalls amongstnads of pines and tropical plants. Number 17 green is completely surrounded by a lake. $175 (808) 565-4653

Golf Tournaments

Professionals, amateurs, celebrities and fans get together to play or watch several big golf tournaments on Maui great courses. Favorable winds as well as the skill of the golfer determine who comes in first. Look for the Mercedes Hampionship PGA tournament in January at Kapaluas Plantation Course ((808) 669-8044) and the EMC2 Kaanapali Classic in October at the Kaanapali North Course.

You can swim in all six of Maui County's fresh water pools...free. Here's the newest one in Pukalani.

Scuba Diving

Certified divers may rent equipment and go out on their own or set up a charter. It's good to take an escort. Classes are available if you want to be certified. They last about five days, cost about $350. The general rule for calm water is North shore in summer, South shore in winter. If you want detailed information get Rod Canham's Hawaii Below.

Here are a few dive Web sites if you want to dive deeper into this subject.

The most popular dive spot is a boat ride away at Molokini Island, the top of an eroded volcano. It's a marine conservation district and teaming with everything from eels to turtles to reef sharks to rays. You can dive the backside of the island for a spectacular view of the volcano dropoff into the deeps. Strong currents here, so take care.

Good snorkeling is possible year around at many places on Maui. You can rent equipment from most hotels or from dive shops, about $15 per week. Snorkel with a buddy. Here are some of the favorite spots.

Black Rock

This lava formation near the Sheraton Maui is a favorite spot for beginners since it is a gathering spot for colorful fish.

Kapalua Bay

The reef offshore one of the best swimming beaches is a great place for beginners. Just swim out and drift along the reef

Honolua Bay

This is a marine sanctuary so don't take anything including sand. Winter is a little rough here. Other seasons it's probably the best snorkeling on Maui.

Mokuleia Bay

For the advanced snorkeler, this is a challenge.

Olowalu

On the way to and from Lahaina, you zip through the little town of Olowalu and Chez Paul restaurant. Watch for the sign to Olowalu Beach. Park along the roadside. Just offshore is a reef that is loaded with fish and is usually calm and clear.

Kamaole 2 and 3

The reef between the two beaches is usually clear and a good place to snorkel before noon.

Ulua

Good snorkeling near the rocky point.

Ahihi Kinau Natural Reserve

About 5 miles past Wailea. Lots of coral and a good variety of fish. Not very crowded.

Hawaiians invented surfing on boards back before the eighth century. They were holding contests when Columbus discovered America. The original boards were 18', 150 pound slabs. The local surfers make it look easy on lightweight fiberglass boards but it takes practice and more practice. If you're experienced or just want to watch the action, here are the best spots on Maui.

Catch a winter wave at Honolua Bay, probably the best on Maui with waves up to 15 feet and perfect tubes. Great view from the cliffs over the bay.

Try the breaks north and south of the Lahaina Harbor. Occasionally there are good breaks at Awalua Beach (mile marker 16).

Maalaea Bay can be a good spot and there is sometimes good surfing off Kalama Park in Kihei.

Surf is usually up at Ho'okipa Beach Park and Baldwin Beach or Kanaha Park also have good surf on occasion.

Couldn't hurt to take a few lessons while you're here. Nancy Emerson is a pro surfer who emphasizes making you safe in the water as well as on top of the wells. Andrea Thomas' Surfing School guarantees that you will be standing on your board by the end of the first lesson or your money back.

Ho'okipa Beach Park is one of the best windsurfing spots in the world and the site of world windsurfing championships. The wind and surf are consistently ideal, but not for beginners. Come here to watch and wonder at the speed and grace of the best. Then go down to Kanaha and launch your own board or take a lesson from Nancy Emerson. If you need a way to get to the best beaches and insider info, try:

No board here. Just you and the wave. Lots of technique will get you a swift, snooth ride, otherwise you eat sand. The favored spot is Mokuleia Beach (Slaughterhouse). But you'll see bodysurfers many places. The locals look for a set at Baldwin Beach

KayakingThe Hawaiians had their own version of kayaking in outrigger canoes. Made their living at it. Todays hi-tech versions can take you around the islands on a tour or you can rent your own. Be aware that the ocean around the islands can be tricky. Take a guide.

You can find everything from as three masted schooner to a rowboat to take you out on the ocean. Whale watching, sightseeing, sunset cruises, dinner cruises...it's all available. Here are a few places to start.

Official whale watching season begins November 15 and ends April 15. This is when the humpback whales come to Maui to vacation and breed. Humpbacks are not the largest whales, only 40-50 feet weighing 30 tons. To see one of these creatures slowly rise out of the water and come crashing back is truly a thrill.

A good place to see whales from the shore is at the Pali turnoff on the way to Lahaina. If you see as bunch of people pulled off the road and pointing, pull off yourself and take a look. Please pull off. Too many rubbernecking accidents.

For a closer view, take a boat cruise. Most boat operators do cruises but you may want to try the one sponsored by the Trilogy Whale Watching. If you want to get some inside information on whales, go to the Maui Ocean Center..

We have lots of tennis facilities all over Maui. There are 8 public court locations. Many condo or hotal courts are open to the public. The bigger hotels have courts that are limited to guests.

PUBLIC COURTS

East Maui

HaliimaileOne court across from the Haliimaile General Store

HanaThe Hana Ball Park has one double lighted court

Central Maui

KahuluiThe Maui Community College has 2 unlighted courts. The Kahului Community Center has two lighted courts. The Kahului War Memorial Complex has four lighted courts. Phone 243-7389 for location and availabilty

Wailuku Wells Park has 7 lighted courts. Phone 243-7389

Kihei

Kihei Kalama Park has four lighted courts. There are six unlighted courts in the park by the Maui Sunset condo. Phone 879-4364

Lahaina

Lahaina Lahaina Civic Center has five lighted courts. There are four lighted courts at Malu-ulu-olele Park. Phone 661-4685.

CampingCamping is permitted in six places on Maui. You have to get a permit from theDivision of State Parks for PoliPoli, a magical place way up on the side of Haleakala, or Waianapanapa, a black sand beach park near Hana, phone: (808)243-5354 before you come.

To camp at Kahana Beach Park, near the airport or Rainbow Park, near Paia, contact the County Department of Parks and Recreation, phone (808)243-7389. Three night limit. Imagine getting off the plane, grabbing your gear, walking over to this beach, pitchng your tent and falling inthe Pacific Ocean.

You can camp in Federal campgrounds at Hosmer's Grove (no permit) or in Haleakala Crater (cabins are allotted drawings well in advance) by making arrangements with the Feds, phone (808) 572-4400. The campgrounds at Kipahulu near the Seven Pools in Hana are usually available but call ahead. (808) 248-7375.

HikingMaui has marked hiking trails all over the island so you can go on your own or take a guided tour. Try these contacts:

Horses first came here in 1803 from Baja California. These ponies are known as Kanaka ponies and had terrific stamina. Today they are practically extinct. However, there are plenty of horses on the island for work, show, polo or pleasure riding. There are stables on all sides of Maui that offer trail rides anywhere from one hour to three days. They'll take you through fields and forests, past waterfalls and down into the Crater. Here are links to some sites you may want to explore.

You can bring your own bike or rent one and pedal past some beautiful sights, if you're in really good condition or content to stay near the shore. We've seen a few people cycling up the Crater which is 10,000 feet high and not for the faint hearted. There are bike tours that coast down the mountain but we can't recommend them. (see visitor's opinion) Here's some local help.Maui Mountain BikingWest Maui Cycles